Electricity and Control August 2023

COVER ARTICLE

Redefining medium-voltage switchgear management: Advanced condition-based monitoring solution Stéphane Tourette, Business Development Director - WIKA Senseor

T he management of medium-voltage switchgear is at the fore front of discussions concerning asset condition maintenance and operational safety. The main priorities are to maintain a high level of safety, reduce operating and maintenance costs, extend the service life of existing equipment, and achieve a robust, reli able installation. At the heart of this mission lies the development of a predictable maintenance and repair schedule. Advances in sensor technologies have reshaped maintenance strategies in the distribution network asset health sector. More cost-effective than ever, sensors are now essential for monitoring the mechanical and electrical conditions of equipment, supporting proven diagnostic algorithms and facilitating integrated communications. These advances are essential for improving the predictability of maintenance and repairs. To further leverage these advances, Wika has integrated the comprehensive WEgrid Solutions into its portfolio. This offering delivers a complete and customised solution for SF 6 gas-filled plants. The WEgrid product portfolio, consisting of everything from gas density monitoring to online monitoring, aligns with these advances and brings expert knowledge to ensure the proper operation of SF 6 gas-filled plants. This innovative solution at WIKA SENSeOR not only incorporates these advances but enhances them and offers an unprecedented approach to condition-based monitoring (CBM) for medium-voltage switchgear. This approach is based on unconventional technologies, such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for temperature measurement and ultra-high frequency (UHF) sensors for partial discharge detection. The distinctive features of SAW technology – its wireless operation and ability to function without a local power source – make it suitable for the harsh environments of medium-voltage switchgear installations. Real-time temperature monitoring provides early indications of increasing electrical losses or potential equipment failure, enabling proactive maintenance or load adjustment to prevent damage. In addition, the monitoring of partial discharges, a common phenomenon due to insulation failure, is crucial to avoid catastrophic failure. By accurately detecting such discharges, Wika’s solution enables operators to intervene quickly, avoiding costly repairs or prolonged downtime. The impact of humidity on switchgear is not negligible. Moisture build-up can lead to insulation failure and corrosion, directly affecting equipment life. Furthermore, WEgrid Asset Protection, as part of the WEgrid solutions, complements operational safety measures. It provides maximum plant safety through digitised gas monitoring embedded in intelligent overall solutions, working in conjunction with Wika’s CBM solution. The combination of high-quality products, adapted data transfer technology, and intelligent software ensures SF 6 gas monitoring is as simple and safe as

possible, thus enhancing the predictability of maintenance. This blend of advanced

monitoring technologies further enhances Wika’s CBM solution. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of equipment. The integration capability of the CBM solution goes hand in hand with the growing trends in digital transformation. Whether as a standalone solution or as a retrofit add-on, the solution can be seamlessly integrated into an existing monitoring infrastructure. Combined with Wika’s well-differentiated IoT platform, it enables efficient trend analysis and rapid situational awareness. In conclusion, the combination of WIKA SENSeOR’s CBM solution and the comprehensive WEgrid solutions marks a significant advance in the field of medium-voltage switchgear maintenance. Together, they capitalise on innovative sensor technologies and an integrated IoT platform to optimise maintenance predictability. These solutions contribute to an increase in equipment safety, efficiency, and longevity. In this age of technological advances, our solutions demonstrate how equipment failures can be effectively predicted and avoided, ensuring better asset management. □

PD Antennas ANF1 (up to 6)

Reader AMS01-TP

Temperature sensors TSA-EV11 (up to 12)

Environmental sensor

WIKA SENSeOR’s CBM solution incorporates sensor technology to advance medium-voltage switchgear maintenance.

For more information contact WIKA Instruments. Tel: +27 (0)11 621 0000 Email: sales.za@wika.com Visit: www.wika.co.za

AUGUST 2023 Electricity + Control

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